Is this ‘the new Wenger’?

The news that Arsene Wenger has actually declared he will look to strengthen Arsenal’s squad in January is certainly music to the ears, but you also have to note how rare this is.

That springs something into mind.

Is it just me or have we being seeing so many things in the past year that are so untypical of Wenger?

It all began in May this year (or if you count the sensational signing of Arshavin, then February).

Here is a list of what was notable enough to recall.

1. After Arsenal lose 0-1 in the CL semi-final first leg at United, Wenger promises “there will be a different Arsenal next week” in the second leg which he comes out incredibly confident ahead of that he promised his side would overturn the “not so much” deficit.

– Usually, he is more conservative and often appears likes a neutral fan ahead of such tension matches.

2. After the 2-2 draw at West Ham earlier this season, he plainly states “West Ham was a major missed opportunity”

– Usually, due to the trickiness of a trip to Upton Park, he would say a draw is still a point gained and tends to look on the bright side.

3. He boldly claims “Spurs are not our class” ahead of this season’s first North London derby and is seen absolutely fuming on the touchline (because of a few slacks from the boys even though they were 3-0 up) during the match.

– Usually, he would laud the threat of an opponent before a clash and would just be rubbing his palms in concealed excitement when leading comfortably in a match.

4. He states that “our defense was naive” – criticizing the late goal Arsenal conceded in the 4-1 win at home to AZ Alkmaar.

– Usually, he would be applauding the entire team – whether they ended with a tiny glitch or flawlessly – after such a comfortable win.

5. He fumes “this is a massive setback” after the 0-1 defeat at Sunderland.

– Usually, Wenger would never stress how a poor result affects Arsenal’s title chances and rather remain upbeat with every sentence in his post-match interview.

6. He doesn’t just blow off the topic as if it’s totally ridiculous and when questioned, Wenger actually confirms rumors that Song had signed a new contract after the recent match with Standard Liege and even reveals the length of his contract which was 2015.

– Never has Wenger revealed the news on any player dealings nor even dared to disclose the details.

7. Of course, you cannot exclude his “f##k” bust out in a recent press conference (he even said the word more than once) when asked about Walcott’s World Cup ambitions.

18 Comments Already

Wenger’s not stupid, he knows excuses about team building are something for the past. We’ve had the promise and potential line and he’s had the four years to build this team and put his building in process so he cannot call this a year of building for something in the future. Forth and wimperish cup runs are not acceptable and especially not when he’s had £40m to spend if needed.

He knows he’ll be judged on this team, he’s had the two summers of hindsight to rectify as well. Perhaps he’s feeling the pressure, certainly he’s disappointed no one will want success for this club more than Wenger.

I think Wenger is starting to realise that sometimes he needs to buy class players and can not always made them…perhaps we will see more than just 1 new player….Almunia has not been good this season…I can understand the loss in form over the mother in law but it is another piece missing from the jigsaw…along with a 20 a season striker who does not get injured every 10 matches (RVP)….
and J your wellington piece is now quoted all over the net…good job and to the reporter from brazil too…..

wenger might not buy anyone in january i guess, when the team starts scoring and winning matches.A different statement will be said by wenger.”We had Bedntner injured and now he is back and scoring GOALS for us we are strong enough and can challenge for trophies”.

if anyone on this thread stars carping about “crisis” or some such shit, just save it. the kids got whooped today. complete difference in class – but i guess that’s the point,eh? (and, since fab and rvp weren’t really involved in the campaign, i doubt winning this trophy and none other would convince them to stay on.)

rosicky … more like ro-sickly; and vela was crap – these two should be doing A LOT better. merida was crap. what’s the french for crap Arsene, is it “merde” or “merida” i’ve seem to’ve forgotten. AND FOR FUCKS SAKE – WHY DOES SILVETRE PLAY FOR THE CLUB???? damnit man!, play some defense – youre a CENTERBACK for fucks sake. and troare, i’m afraid, sucks. SWP used that guy like doorknob. wilshire vanished. eastmonds … good lord boy, what are you doing???

ah fuck. being a sports fan is bullshit. total bullshit i tell ya, because come the weekend we’re right back at it and the torture never ends. until it does. and right now i could use a stiff drink.

Wegner is upset because he’s a father to these lads. Just like any other father in the world you get upset when your child doesn’t live up to its potential. He wants his lads to do well and has put a lot of his sweat and tears into this group. I like Wegner and respect him.

Team was crap..PERIOD! I’m still behind the team regardless! I just want to see some consistency and start beating teams we are supposed to. The past is the past, but had we beaten West Ham and Sunderland today’s loss would’ve meant nothing to me! Those were 5 valuable points lost, but we have to look what lies ahead. We’ve been introduced to reality because we were in a good run before. Everyone wondered what would happen if RVP got injured. Well, there you have it folks. It affected the team big time!

The boss has to go out and buy a few solid players in January and our current players…Nasri, Rosicky, Eduardo, etc have to seriously step up and deliver! We are The Arsenal for crying out loud!